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Sharksworld would like to extend birthday wishes to two rising young stars in the Sharks squad, both of whom celebrate today. Lock forward Jandre Marais and wing Sbura Sithole mark the successful completion of another trip around the sun today and we’d like to wish them many happy returns for the day.

Marais – christened Jan-Andre by his parents before the inevitable shortening of the name – is a second rower from Welkom who made his name playing for Welkom Gimnasium and the Griffons Craven Week team. He went on to represent the Sharks at both under 19 and under 21 level, as well as representing the South African under 20 side in 2009. Marais has established himself as a regular part of the Sharks XV squad over the last two years and will be looking for that elusive first senior cap during the Currie Cup this year as he continues to develop as a tight forward.

Jandre, who turns 22 today, has a younger brother Peet, who is also a lock and will play for the Sharks under 21s again this year.

Sibusiso Sithole is a lightning quick young winger from the Eastern Cape, who attended Queen College before moving on to join the Sharks after school. He played for the Baby Boks in 2010, but rose to real prominence as a member of the SA Sevens team this year – in particular as the scorer of the match and tournament winning try against Australia in Scotland a month or so ago.

Sbura, who celebrates his 21st birthday, will be a key part of the Sharks under 21 side this year, but may well have a big role to play in the Currie Cup as well, what with three senior Sharks wingers currently in the reckoning for the World Cup squad.